Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response Protein Research Articles

ZnO nanoparticles induced adjuvant effect via toll-like receptors and Src signaling in Balb/c mice

Our previous studies indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have adjuvant properties to a known allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in Balb/c mice. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the mechanisms involved in adjuvant responses induced by ZnO NPs. The eosinophil counts in the Peyers’ patches of intestine and ICAM-1, Cox2 protein expressions were enhanced in the ZnO NPs/OVA group. Following screening of toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR 2, 4 and 6 were found to be increased. Accordingly, we found that downstream proteins of TLRs such as myeloid differentiation primary response protein-88 (MyD88), IL-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK 1), and TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF 6) were also found to be enhanced in the ZnO NPs/OVA-induced group. These inflammatory responses underlined the critical roles of TLRs in the inflammatory response. ZnO NPs increased the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and protein expression of several mediators, including Cox2, PGE2, MMP-9 and finally caspase 1 in macrophages. Another pathway for adjuvant effect is Src which was found to be significantly affected by the activation of p-Lyn, p-Syk, IP3, p-PLC-γ and cAMP. Ca2+ influx was significantly increased as well in the ZnO NPs/OVA group. These findings demonstrated the differential role of TLRs in regulation of the ZnO NPs-induced adjuvant responses causing the inflammation.We therefore, conclude that ZnO NPs have significant adjuvant effect via following Src kinase and TLRs signaling that ascribed to inflammatory responses due to recruitment and activation of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cells. The adjuvant property of ZnO NPs may help in planning strategies for its therapeutic use.

TIR-domain-containing protein repertoire of nine anthozoan species reveals coral–specific expansions and uncharacterized proteins

The intracellular toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain plays an important role in vertebrate immunity, but the evolution and function of invertebrate TIR-domain-containing proteins is not fully understood. This study characterized and compared the TIR-domain-containing protein repertoire of nine cnidarians in class Anthozoa. A diverse set of proteins, including MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88), toll-like receptor (TLR)-like, interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-like, and TIR-only proteins are present in the species surveyed. Increased numbers of TIR-only proteins were observed in corals compared to anemones, especially in the Acroporid and Pocilloporid coral families. This expansion could be linked to diversity of the microbial community on or in hosts and managing both positive and negative associations. Phylogenetic analysis indicates there are two groups of proteins with IL-1R-like domain architecture in anthozoans that potentially evolved independently of the vertebrate family. Bacterial-like TIR_2 domain proteins are also present, including one sequence with novel domain architecture. Overall this work promotes a better understanding of the anthozoan immune repertoire, which is important in the context learning about ancestral immune pathways and host–microbe interactions.

HS-23, Lonicera japonica extract, attenuates septic injury by suppressing toll-like receptor 4 signaling

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLonicera japonica Thunberg is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in East Asia as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agent. This study was designed to investigate the effects of HS-23, ethanol extract of the dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica, in experimental models of sepsis and elucidate the mechanisms of action of HS-23. Materials and methodsMale ICR mice were intravenously administered HS-23 (20 and 40mg/kg) for 0 (immediately) and 24h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) for survival tests, and HS-23 (40mg/kg) immediately after CLP for biochemical assays. ResultsHS-23 improved sepsis-induced mortality, enhanced bacterial clearance, and attenuated multiple organ failure. The mechanisms of action of HS-23 included attenuation of increased toll-like receptor (TLR)4 protein and mRNA expression. HS-23 suppressed sepsis-induced increases in protein expression of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in both liver and lung, as well as TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 protein expression in liver. ConclusionThe results of this study revealed that HS-23 attenuated sepsis through suppression of TLR signaling pathways. Therefore, our findings suggest that HS-23 might be useful as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of sepsis.

S-Adenosylmethionine attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury by downregulating the Toll-like receptor 4 signal in Kupffer cells.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is beneficial for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury, but its molecular basis is not fully understood. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of SAM on LPS signal transduction and its possible mechanism. An animal model of LPS-induced liver injury was established by intraperitoneally injecting mice with 10mg/kg LPS pretreatment with or without SAM (170μmol/kg body weight). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein expression in liver tissues and the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion level in serum were detected by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Then, Kupffer cells (KCs) were isolated and challenged with LPS, with or without SAM pretreatment (1,000μM), and the expressions of TLR4 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MYD88) were assayed at the mRNA and protein levels. The activities of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were also analyzed using Western blotting. SAM significantly improved the survival rate of endotoxemic mice (p<0.05) and decreased TNF-α levels in serum (p<0.05). Simultaneously, SAM also attenuated LPS-induced liver injury and expression of TLR4 and MYD88 in the hepatic sinusoid. Moreover, TLR4 and MYD88 gene and protein expressions were downregulated by SAM pretreatment in LPS-stimulated KCs. Finally, SAM did not affect NF-κB-p65 translocation into the nucleus (p>0.05), but significantly inhibited p38 MAPK activation (p<0.05). SAM attenuated liver injury and improved the survival rate in endotoxemic mice by decreasing the TNF-α expression. The downregulative effect of SAM on TNF-α was mediated by suppressing activation of the TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway.

Atorvastatin attenuates myocardial remodeling induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats: Partly involvement of TLR-4/MYD88 pathway

Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress are known to play a key role in the development of cardiovascular complications such as cardiac hypertrophy induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), the most characteristic pathophysiological change of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Current evidence suggests that competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA coenzyme A reductase, such as atorvastatin, not only reduce blood lipids but also have anti-inflammatory and inhibit oxidative stress benefits. This study examined the protective role of atorvastatin in CIH-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Adult male wistar rats were subjected to 8h of intermittent hypoxia/day, with/without atorvastatin for 6weeks. Ventricular remodeling, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MYD88), inflammatory agents and radical oxygen species were determined. As a result, we found that treatment with atorvastatin markedly inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MYD88 and the downstream inflammatory agents and radical oxygen species. Administration of atorvastatin following CIH significantly ameliorated the myocardial injury, such as cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, Pre-CIH atorvastatin administration may attenuate TLR-4/MYD88 mediated inflammatory processes and oxidative stress in the injured rat myocardium, and this may be one mechanism by which atorvastatin ameliorated myocardial injury following CIH.

Endogenous Interleukin-1β in Neuropathic Rats Enhances Glutamate Release from the Primary Afferents in the Spinal Dorsal Horn through Coupling with Presynaptic N-Methyl-d-aspartic Acid Receptors*♦

Excessive activation of glutamate receptors and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the spinal dorsal horn, are key mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which endogenous IL-1β alters glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with neuropathic pain induced by ligation of the L5 spinal nerve. We demonstrated that endogenous IL-1β in neuropathic rats enhances glutamate release from the primary afferent terminals and non-NMDA glutamate receptor activities in postsynaptic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is a mediator used by IL-1β to enhance non-NMDA glutamate receptor activities in postsynaptic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Presynaptic NMDA receptors are effector receptors used by the endogenous IL-1β to enhance glutamate release from the primary afferents in neuropathic rats. This is further supported by the fact that NMDA currents recorded from small neurons in the dorsal root ganglion of normal rats are potentiated by exogenous IL-1β. Furthermore, we provided evidence that functional coupling between IL-1β receptors and presynaptic NMDA receptors at the primary afferent terminals is mediated by the neutral sphingomyelinase/ceramide signaling pathway. Hence, functional coupling between IL-1β receptors and presynaptic NMDA receptors at the primary afferent terminals is a crucial mechanism leading to enhanced glutamate release and activation of non-NMDA receptors in the spinal dorsal horn neurons in neuropathic pain conditions. Interruption of such functional coupling could be an effective approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Crucial role of Toll-like receptors in the zinc/nickel-induced inflammatory response in vascular endothelial cells

Our previous studies indicated that zinc induced inflammatory response in both vascular endothelial cells and promonocytes. Here, we asked if other metals could cause the similar effect on vascular endothelial cells and tried to determine its underlying mechanism. Following screening of fifteen metals, zinc and nickel were identified with a marked proinflammatory effect, as determined by ICAM-1 and IL-8 induction, on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Inhibiting protein expression of myeloid differentiation primary response protein-88 (MyD88), a Toll-like receptor (TLR) adaptor acting as a TLR-signaling transducer, significantly attenuated the zinc/nickel-induced inflammatory response, suggesting the critical roles of TLRs in the inflammatory response. Blockage of TLR-4 signaling by CLI-095, a TLR-4 inhibitor, completely inhibited the nickel-induced ICAM-1 and IL-8 expression and NFκB activation. The same CLI-095 treatment significantly blocked the zinc-induced IL-8 expression, however with no significant effect on the ICAM-1 expression and a minor inhibitory effect on the NFκB activation. The finding demonstrated the differential role of TLR-4 in regulation of the zinc/nickel-induced inflammatory response, where TLR-4 played a dominant role in NFκB activation by nickel, but not by zinc. Moreover, inhibition of NFκB by adenovirus-mediated IκBα expression and Bay 11-7025, an inhibitor of cytokine-induced IκB-α phosphorylation, significantly attenuated the zinc/nickel-induced inflammatory responses, indicating the critical of NFκB in the process. The study demonstrates the crucial role of TLRs in the zinc/nickel-induced inflammatory response in vascular endothelial cells and herein deciphers a potential important difference in NFκB activation via TLRs. The study provides a molecular basis for linkage between zinc/nickel exposure and pathogenesis of the metal-related inflammatory vascular disease.

The endolysosomal cysteine cathepsins L and K are involved in macrophage‐mediated clearance of Staphylococcus aureus and the concomitant cytokine induction

Cysteine cathepsins are endolysosomal cysteine proteases highly expressed in macrophages; however, their individual contributions to the elimination of bacteria and bacteria-induced cytokine production by macrophages are unknown. We assessed the contribution of cysteine cathepsins to macrophage defense pathways against Staphylococcus aureus by using chemical inhibitors and by infecting primary bone marrow-derived macrophages deficient in 1 of 7 major macrophage-expressed endolysosomal cysteine proteases. We show that cysteine cathepsins are involved in the phagocytosis and killing of S. aureus. Cathepsin L was identified as an executor of nonoxidative killing. Moreover, microarray data revealed cysteine cathepsins to be important for the maximal induction of certain proinflammatory genes, such as IL6, in response to S. aureus. Cysteine cathepsin's contribution to IL6 production was dependent on phagocytosis, and cathepsin K was identified to be a critical protease in this process. Analysis of macrophages with impaired trafficking of endolysosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to the acidic compartment revealed that they were not involved in cathepsin-dependent IL6 induction. Because IL6 production was completely dependent on the TLR-adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), it appears that other TLRs are involved. In summary, lysosomal cysteine proteases are functionally linked to the complex bactericidal and inflammatory activities of macrophages.

Melatonin ameliorates vascular endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis by suppressing the TLR4/NF‐κB system in high‐fat‐fed rabbits

Vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) and inflammation contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Melatonin (MLT) normalizes lipid profile, improves endothelial function, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. However, the precise mechanisms are still unclear. This study investigated whether MLT could ameliorate VED, inflammation, and atherosclerosis by suppressing the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) system in high-fat-fed rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups that received a standard diet (control group), high-cholesterol diet (atherosclerosis group), or high-cholesterol diet plus 10mg/kg/day MLT (MLT group) for 12wk. After treatment, high-fat diet significantly increased serum lipid and inflammatory markers in rabbits in atherosclerosis group compared with that in control group. In addition, high-fat diet also induced VED and typical atherosclerotic plaque formation and increased intima/media thickness ratio, which were significantly improved by MLT therapy as demonstrated in MLT group. Histological and immunoblot analysis further showed that high-fat diet enhanced the expressions of TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MyD88), and NF-κB p65, but decreased inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) expression. By contrast, MLT therapy decreased the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 and increased IκB expression. This study has demonstrated that MLT ameliorates lipid metabolism, VED, and inflammation and inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis in high-fat-fed rabbits. Moreover, our study indicates for the first time that suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB system in local vasculature with atherosclerotic damage is important for the protective effects of MLT.

MyD88 is essential for alveolar bone loss induced by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide in mice

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative bacteria highly associated with localized aggressive periodontitis. The recognition of microbial factors, such as lipopolysaccharide from A. actinomycetemcomitans ((Aa)LPS), in the oral environment is made mainly by surface receptors known as Toll-like receptors (TLR). TLR4 is the major LPS receptor. This interaction leads to the production of inflammatory cytokines by myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) -dependent and -independent pathways, which may involve the adaptor Toll/interleukin-1 receptor-domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β (TRIF). The aim of this study was to assess the involvement of MyD88 in alveolar bone loss induced by (Aa)LPS in mice. C57BL6/J wild-type (WT) mice, MyD88, TRIF or TRIF/MyD88 knockout mice received 10 injections of Aa LPS strain FDC Y4 (5 μg in 3 μl), in the palatal gingival tissue of the right first molar, every 48 h. Phosphate-buffered saline was injected in the opposite side and used as control. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the 10th injection and the maxillae were removed for macroscopic and biochemical analyses. The injections of Aa LPS induced significant alveolar bone loss in WT mice. In the absence of MyD88 or TRIF/MyD88 no bone loss induced by (Aa)LPS was observed. In contrast, responses in TRIF(-/-) mice were similar to those in WT mice. Diminished bone loss in the absence of MyD88 was associated with fewer TRAP-positive cells and increased expression of osteoblast markers, RUNX2 and osteopontin. There was also reduced tumor necrosis factor-α production in MyD88(-/-) mice. There was less osteoclast differentiation of hematopoietic bone marrow cells from MyD88(-/-) mice after (Aa)LPS stimulation. Hence, the signaling through MyD88 is pivotal for (Aa)LPS-induced osteoclast formation and alveolar bone loss.

Immune Modulation by Different Types of β2→1-Fructans Is Toll-Like Receptor Dependent

Introductionβ2→1-fructans are dietary fibers. Main objectives of this study were 1) to demonstrate direct signalling of β2→1-fructans on immune cells, 2) to study whether this is mediated by the pattern recognition receptors Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-containing proteins (NODs), and 3) to relate the observed effects to the chain length differences in β2→1-fructans.MethodsFour different β2→1-fructan formulations were characterised for their chain length profile. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated in vitro with β2→1-fructans, and production of IL-1Ra, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and TNF-α was analysed. Reporter cells for TLRs and NODs were incubated with β2→1-fructans and analysed for NF-κB/AP-1 activation.ResultsCytokine production in human PBMCs was dose- and chain length-dependent. Strikingly, short chain enriched β2→1-fructans induced a regulatory cytokine balance compared to long chain enriched β2→1-fructans as measured by IL-10/IL-12 ratios. Activation of reporter cells showed that signalling was highly dependent on TLRs and their adapter, myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88). In human embryonic kidney reporter cells, TLR2 was prominently activated, while TLR4, 5, 7, 8, and NOD2 were mildly activated.Conclusionsβ2→1-fructans possess direct signalling capacity on human immune cells. By activating primarily TLR2, and to a lesser extent TLR4, 5, 7, 8, and NOD2, β2→1-fructan stimulation results in NF-κB/AP-1 activation. Chain length of β2→1-fructans is important for the induced activation pattern and IL-10/IL-12 ratios.

Expressions of TLR7, MyD88 and TRAF6 in peripheral blood from patients with condyloma acuminatum

Objective To explore the role of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and related signal transduction molecules in mechanisms underlying human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and condyloma acuminatum (CA) recurrence.Methods Peripheral blood was obtained from 30 healthy controls,35 patients with primary CA,32 patiens with recurrent CA and 30 patients with recurrent CA treated by imiquimod and ALA-PDT.Two-color flow cytometric analysis was used to detect TLR7 expression in different peripheral blood T cell subsets,Western blot to determine the expression levels of an adapter protein myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88),and signaling molecules including tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF6),phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K),protein kinase B (AKT),p42/44 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in peripheral blood CD3+ T cells,from these subjects.Statistical analysis was carried out by Student's t test using the software SPSS 13.0.Results TLR7 was expressed in peripheral blood CD3+CD4+ T cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells from the healthy controls.Compared with the healthy controls,the patients with primary and recurrent CA showed no significant changes in TLR7 expression in CD3+CD8+ T cells,but a statistical increase in TLR7 expression in CD3+CD4+ T cells (23.3％ ± 8.4％ and 32.8％ ± 8.9％ vs.12.6％ ± 6.3％,t =4.72,10.76,both P ＜ 0.01).Decreased expression of TLR7 in CD3+CD4+ T cells was observed in patients treated with imiquimod and ALAPDT compared with the patients with recurrent CA (20.3％ ± 5.7％ vs.32.8％ ±8.9％,t =5.41,P ＜ 0.01).The protein expressions of MyD88,TRAF6,PI3K,p42/44 and NF-κB were significantly increased in CD3 + T cells,while the AKT protein expression experienced no significant changes in patients with primary or recurrent CA compared with the healthy controls.A significant decrease was observed in the protein expression of MyD88,TRAF6,p42/44 and NF-κB in the treated patients compared with those with recurrent CA.Conclusions TLR7,which is highly expressed in peripheral blood CD3+CD4+ T cells in patients with CA,may take part in the host immune response against HPV and serve as a recognition receptor for HPV infection. Key words: Condylomata acuminata; Alphapapillomavirus; Toll-like receptor 7; T-lymphocytes; Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated peptides and proteins; MyD88

Expression and cell distribution of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 in the cerebral cortex following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats: A pilot study

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) which is mostly caused by aneurysm rupture causes a lot of death every year. Convincing evidence can be made that inflammation contributes to the poor outcome caused by SAH. Toll like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are involved in the damaging inflammation process after SAH. Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is essential to deliver TLRs signals down to NF-κB and pro-inflammatory factors. The study aims to detect the expression level of MyD88 and know more about the role of MyD88 after SAH. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group and SAH groups at 2h, 6h, 12h and on day 1, day 2, day 3, day 5 and day 7. SAH groups suffered experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage by injection of 0.3ml autoblood into the prechiasmatic cistern. MyD88 expression is measured by western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured by real-time PCR. Our results demonstrated MyD88 expression was increased after SAH, and peaked on day 1 and day 5, which showed a parallel time course to the up-regulation of IL-1β, there was a highly positive relationship between them. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results indicated up-regulated MyD88 was mainly located in neurons while over expressed MyD88 could also be found in astrocytes and microglia. These results might have important implications during the administration of specific MyD88 antagonists in order to prevent or reduce inflammatory response following SAH.

Inefficient TLR4/MD-2 Heterotetramerization by Monophosphoryl Lipid A

Synthetic forms of E. coli monophosphoryl lipid A (sMLA) weakly activate the MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response protein) branch of the bifurcated TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) signaling pathway, in contrast to diphosphoryl lipid A (sDLA), which is a strong activator of both branches of TLR4. sMLA’s weak MyD88 signaling activity is apparent downstream of TLR4/MyD88 signaling as we show that sMLA, unlike sDLA, is unable to efficiently recruit the TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) to the Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1). This reduced recruitment of TRAF6 explains MLA’s lower MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) and NF-κB activity. As further tests of sMLA’s ability to activate TLR4/Myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2), we used the antibody MTS510 as an indicator for TLR4/MD-2 heterotetramer formation. Staining patterns with this antibody indicated that sMLA does not effectively drive heterotetramerization of TLR4/MD-2 when compared to sDLA. However, a F126A mutant of MD-2, which allows lipid A binding but interferes with TLR4/MD-2 heterotetramerization, revealed that while sMLA is unable to efficiently form TLR4/MD-2 heterotetramers, it still needs heterotetramer formation for the full extent of signaling it is able to achieve. Monophosphoryl lipid A’s weak ability to form TLR4/MD-2 heterotetramers was not restricted to synthetic E. coli type because cells exposed to a biological preparation of S. minnesota monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) also showed reduced TLR4/MD-2 heterotetramer formation. The low potency with which sMLA and MPLA drive heterotetramerization of TLR4/MD-2 contributes to their weak MyD88 signaling activities.

Sinomenine Decreases MyD88 Expression and Improves Inflammation-Induced Joint Damage Progression and Symptoms in Rat Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Sinomenine (SIN) is the active principle of the Chinese medical plant Sinomenium acutum which is widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. Recently, several groups indicated that myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) might be associated with disease progression of RA. Here, we observed the effect of SIN on MyD88 expression and showed its therapeutic role in RA. First, immunohistochemical staining in clinical specimens showed that MyD88 was mainly located in characteristic pathological structures of RA synovial tissues. Second, we found that MyD88 was overexpressed in the synovial tissues of the rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Treatment with SIN markedly decreased the expression of MyD88 in AIA rats. Finally, we provided evidences that SIN suppressed inflammation response and inflammation-induced joint destructive progression and arthritis symptoms in AIA rats. Therefore, SIN is an effective therapeutic agent for RA. Targeting MyD88 signaling may provide new methods for the treatment of RA.

Immunomodulatory effects of Clostridium butyricum on human enterocyte-like HT-29 cells

Oral administration of Clostridium butyricum as probiotics is increasingly gaining importance in the treatment of intestinal inflammations and improvement of animal performance. The mechanisms of host cell receptor recognition of C. butyricum and downstream immune signaling pathways leading to this beneficial event, however, remain unclear. In this study, C. butyricum was investigated for its capability to influence the innate immune response of HT-29 cells to explore its mechanism of action. Our data showed that C. butyricum was able to stimulate toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) production at mRNA level; however, TLR4, TLR5, TLR9, and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) transcription levels remain unaltered. The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in response to C. butyricum were significantly increased, indicating that HT-29 cells were sensitised by C. butyricum. It is the first time that our findings have showed the specific signaling pathways in HT-29 cells stimulated by C. butyricum, which, at least in part, can help to explain the beneficial properties of C. butyricum.

Bis-N-norgliovictin, a small-molecule compound from marine fungus, inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages and improves survival in sepsis

Sepsis is a highly lethal disorder characterized by systemic inflammation, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in macrophages plays a crucial role in modulating innate immune response and outcome of sepsis. During the screening of natural products against inflammation, we identified bis-N-norgliovictin, a small-molecule compound isolated from marine-derived fungus, significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS, ligand of TLR4)-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in RAW264.7 cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of bis-N-norgliovictin on TLR4-mediated inflammation in mouse macrophages and LPS-induced sepsis model. In RAW264.7 and mouse peritoneal macrophages, bis-N-norgliovictin dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-β (IFN-β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), but without suppressing cell viability. The anti-inflammatory effect was attributed to the down-regulation of TLR4-triggered myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-dependent and TIR-containing adapter inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-dependent signaling pathways, including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) cascades. Importantly, bis-N-norgliovictin also protected mice against LPS-induced endotoxic shock. Intravenous injection of bis-N-norgliovictin 1h before LPS challenge dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced increases in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and IL-10, attenuated liver and lung injury and diminished M1 macrophage polarization in liver. Our results demonstrate that bis-N-norgliovictin exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effect both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that bis-N-norgliovictin can be a useful therapeutic candidate for the treatment of sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.

Aberrant TIRAP and MyD88 expression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

TIRAP and Myd88 are adaptor proteins for Toll-like receptors-2 and -4 (TLR2/4) which are engaged in transducing the signal to downstream molecules. Several studies have shown the increased role of infection factors in pathogenesis of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). This prompted us to test whether there is a correlation between MyD88-TIRAP dynamics before and after inflammatory stimuli. We determined the mRNA and protein expression of TIRAP and MyD88 in CD5(+)CD19(+) B-CLL cells and in a subpopulation of normal B CD19(+) lymphocytes. Additionally we determined the influence of lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli - TLR4-ligand (LPS) and Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan I - TLR2-ligand (SAC) on TIR-domain-containing adaptor protein, also called MyD88 adaptor-like (TIRAP) and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) expression. We have found that the mRNA and protein expression of TIRAP and MyD88 in B-CLL lymphocytes is lower compared with that in normal B lymphocytes. LPS and SAC stimulation in normal lymphocytes significantly altered neither TIRAP nor MyD88 mRNA expression, whereas TIRAP protein level substantially decreased after TLR agonist treatment. We did not observe any changes in MyD88 protein level after B lymphocyte stimulation. There was a significant increase in TIRAP mRNA expression after LPS and SAC stimulation of B-CLL cells. MyD88 mRNA expression levels in B-CLL lymphocytes slightly decreased upon treatment with either stimulator. Stimulation with TLR agonists did not cause changes in TIRAP and MyD88 expression at the protein level in B-CLL lymphocytes. The results of our study suggest that there may exist a, yet unknown, defect of TIRAP and MyD88 proteins in B-CLL lymphocytes.

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1-Encoded Envelope Glycoprotein B Activates NF-κB through the Toll-Like Receptor 2 and MyD88/TRAF6-Dependent Signaling Pathway

The innate immune response plays a critical role in the host defense against invading pathogens, and TLR2, a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, has been implicated in the immune response and initiation of inflammatory cytokine secretion against several human viruses. Previous studies have demonstrated that infectious and ultraviolet-inactivated herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virions lead to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines via TLR2. However, except for the envelope glycoprotein gH and gL, whether there are other determinants of HSV-1 responsible for TLR2 mediated biological effects is not known yet. Here, we demonstrated that the HSV-1-encoded envelope glycoprotein gB displays as molecular target recognized by TLR2. gB coimmunoprecipitated with TLR2, TLR1 and TLR6 in transfected and infected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells. Treatment of TLR2-transfected HEK293T (HEK293T-TLR2) cells with purified gB results in the activation of NF-κB reporter, and this activation requires the recruitment of the adaptor molecules myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) but not CD14. Furthermore, activation of NF-κB was abrogated by anti-gB and anti-TLR2 blocking antibodies. In addition, the expression of interleukin-8 induced by gB was abrogated by the treatment of the human monocytic cell line THP-1 with anti-TLR2 blocking antibody or by the incubation of gB with anti-gB antibody. Taken together, these results indicate the importance and potency of HSV-1 gB as one of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) molecule recognized by TLR2 with immediate kinetics.

MyD88 is essential to sustain mTOR activation necessary to promote T helper 17 cell proliferation by linking IL-1 and IL-23 signaling

Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is classically known as an adaptor, linking TLR and IL-1R to downstream signaling pathways in the innate immune system. In addition to its role in innate immune cells, MyD88 has been shown to play an important role in T cells. How MyD88 regulates helper T-cell differentiation remains largely unknown, however. Here we demonstrate that MyD88 is an important regulator of IL-17-producing CD4(+) T helper cells (Th17) cell proliferation. MyD88-deficient CD4(+) T cells showed a defect in Th17 cell differentiation, but not in Th1 cell or Th2 cell differentiation. The impaired IL-17 production from MyD88-deficient CD4(+) T cells is not a result of defective RAR-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) expression. Instead, MyD88 is essential for sustaining the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation necessary to promote Th17 cell proliferation by linking IL-1 and IL-23 signaling. MyD88-deficient CD4(+) T cells showed impaired mTOR activation and, consequently, reduced Th17 cell proliferation. Importantly, the absence of MyD88 in T cells ameliorated disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MyD88 has a dual function in Th17 cells by delivering IL-1 signaling during the early differentiation stage and integrating IL-23 signaling to the mTOR complex to expand committed Th17 cells.